Aspen Snowmass, for the seventh year in a row, is scheduled to host the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Saturday, Feb. 25. For athletes not quite ready to take on the full course, participants have the option to race the Power of Two that covers the last two mountains of the full route, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain.

The Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race is the winter edition of the Power of Four series that includes both a bike and run race in the summer. The ski mountaineering event tests athlete’s endurance as they race in teams of two across all four area mountains on a grueling course that covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of vertical climb. Teams start in Snowmass Village at 6 a.m., traverse to West Buttermilk, skin up Aspen Highlands, including Highland Bowl, ski down the backside of Aspen Mountain along the Congo Trail, skin up Midnight Mine Road and then ski down the front side of Aspen Mountain to complete the race in Gondola Plaza.

Photo by Jeremy Swanson courtesy of Aspen Snowmass.

In addition to the full course, participants have the option to race a shorter course that starts at the base of Aspen Highlands and finishes in gondola plaza. The Power of Two begins at 8 a.m. and takes athletes up the famed Highland Bowl as well as down the Congo Trail, one of the most technical portions of the course.

Categories for the Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race are broken into male, female, coed, and vet. Prizing for the race consists of a $5,000 cash purse divvied out amongst the top three men’s and women’s teams that complete the full Power of Four course. Entry includes an exclusive Helly Hansen Power of Four base layer, post-race party, awards ceremony at The Limelight Hotel, chip timing with results at the finish line and a custom finisher gift.

Photo by Jeremy Swanson courtesy of Aspen Snowmass.

The Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race is sponsored by Audi, Bud Light, Helly Hansen, Smith, Cliff, ResQWater, Perky Jerky, Lavazza, and Town of Snowmass Village.